The driver of a truck that rolled down a bank on Remutaka Hill Rd on Saturday has died. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GRACE PRIOR
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Police confirmed on Saturday that the driver of a truck that rolled down a bank on the Remutaka Hill Rd has died.
Police said that they were notified at about 11.50am of a truck which had overturned and gone down a bank.
It is understood from witness accounts that the cab of the truck was lifted by the wind, the container rolled, and the truck went over the bank.
“The truck is still down a bank and the road may be closed again later this evening for continued investigations,” police said.
“A serious crash investigation is ongoing,” police said.
The road was closed to traffic while emergency services responded.
The road reopened later in the afternoon, but a strict 50kmh speed limit was put in place due to damage to road barriers near the crash site.
Police confirmed shortly after 5pm that the driver had died in the crash.
For much of the afternoon on Saturday, traffic was backed up at both ends of the Remutaka Ranges.
Waka Kotahi [NZTA] said a detour was in place via Pahiatua Track or Saddle Rd.
NZTA asked road users to allow an extra three hours of travel time for this route.
Police advised motorists to keep an eye on the NZTA website for future road closure information.
“The road will be closed for several hours in the late evening at one point over the next few days while the truck is retrieved.”
